I guess it's all in how you look at it regarding Todd R.  I paid my "one
year" subscription fee...and you are correct, the site was a technical mess
and many, many people who subscribed couldn't even get access to the little
content that was actually there.  After about a year and a half, Todd
finally posted a bunch of photos, some mp3's etc.  We DID get to see some
songs progress from their initial idea stage into their final form. There
was other content, but it was a long time coming...and not very memorable. 

However, I was never automatically charged, and as far as I know, no one
else was, either.  Further, Todd must have recognized that the thing was a
mess and I've been a "subscriber" from the moment I subscribed, with not
EVER being asked for additional money...the one major benefit to this was
that when Todd toured in support of the LIARS CD, he also offered some
"prime" fan club member access at shows, for an additional sum of
$25....this got me front row and center at the tour stop in Kansas City.
While it wasn't pretty, and it didn't happen very quickly, I think everyone
who stuck with the website probably got their money's worth out of it in the
long journey.

As far as I know, the site is still operational, though I doubt there has
been any new features added since the release of LIARS...I don't just
haven't checked.

My point is:  While it was a technical mess, I don't think Todd's intent was
to "rip off" anyone....if you know anything at all about Todd, you know that
his attention span is limited and he will be moving on to what he thinks
will be then next "big advance" ten years hence by the time you ever know
about what he was doing "today".  

BTW--I am admittedly biased, as my internet nickname from day one has been
"toddfan".

Just my 2 cents.

Steve Amos


-----Original Message-----
From: audities-owner@smoe.org [mailto:audities-owner@smoe.org] On Behalf Of
Rick McCall
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 6:44 PM
To: audities@smoe.org
Subject: Re: Important ThePolice.com account information

Seems like there was a thread a few years ago about Todd Rundgren's website
subscription being a rip-off as well?  I can't remember the particulars, but
just remember thinking two things:

1.  Thanks for the head's up - I love Todd, but won't join now - what a
great list! Saved me xxx bucks!
2.  Have some self-respect, Todd.

I guess as much as we'd like to think it is about the music, for some folks,
it is ALWAYS about the dollar or pound or whatever the currency is in your
country.  What a shame.  Have some self-respect, Sting.

Best,
Rick
  



-----Original Message-----
From: audities-owner@smoe.org [mailto:audities-owner@smoe.org] On Behalf Of
popesmokes
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 5:55 PM
To: audities@smoe.org
Subject: FW: Important ThePolice.com account information


I was just going to trash this email having de-activated my Police.com
account but I knew that the email I sent to them in response would not get a
reply so I thought I would share it with you guys instead.

Millions of people like me joined ThePolice.com at a hundred bucks a pop to
get the ³best seats in the house² for their local Police reunion tour
concerts. (The website was originally titled thepolicetour.com before they
realized theyıd have to change the name to keep raking in the cash after the
band got off the road). Iım sure a bunch of you guys did just the same as me
so Iım singing to the choir here. The ³limited edition² poster they sent out
to everyone as gravy was an unremarkable shot of the band circa 1977, which
fairminded folks put straight up on ebay to claw back a few dollars and a
shred of their dignity.

But get this...in the email they sent me, they were informing that they were
about to AUTOMATICALLY RE-CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD the $100 renewal for another
yearıs membership!

So hereıs what I wrote in response:


Dear Thepolice.com,

I just received my membership renewal email. It is blatantly clear to me
that you are attempting to automatically renew peoples' accounts because you
know that no-one in their right mind would fall for this scam twice, and
you're trying to dip your hand in our pockets one last time.

I joined your website to get GOOD seats to my local Police concert. I bought
my tickets THE MINUTE they went on sale and the seats were half-way back in
the arena. Surely, SURELY the fan club ticket allocation should have been,
all things being equal, the best seats in the house. Of course, keep the
front three rows of the arena for competition winners and the band's family,
friends and hangers-on, but beyond that, the people running these shows and
this website should have made sure that the people who were big enough fans
to drop $100 ON TOP OF the $225 tickets should be front and centre.

You have made millions of dollars with the scam of a website and I am
delighted to finally be rid of you. I used to love The Police, but my
memories of them will forever be tainted by this huge money-grabbing fiasco
they have endorsed with their once-good name.

I don't expect a response to this email as I suspect that right about now
your mailbox is being flooded with emails just like this one.

Goodbye, and good riddance.

Luke





Sorry to burden you all, I just felt like ranting a little ;-)